Comparing Apples and the Department of Labor

Did you know there were two Departments of Labor? Laws that apply to Employers and Employees fall under two different categories: Federal Law and Minnesota Law.

Generally speaking, employment laws under Federal Law are enforced by the Federal Department of Labor (www.dol.gov). Likewise, employment laws under Minnesota Law are enforced by the Minnesota Department of Labor (www.dli.mn.gov).

Further, the Department of Labor (Federal and Minnesota) are divided into smaller segments that govern specific employment rules and regulations. For example, the Department of Labor has a Wage and Hour Division which helps enforce wages versus hours worked, child labor issues, and minimum wage issues.

Thus, the first issue in any employment concern is whether or not Federal Employment laws apply, Minnesota Employment laws apply, or both.